Tim Krul has dismissed the idea Newcastle United have nothing left to play for this season and insisted the return of the injured players will provide the supporters with much needed excitement.

The Dutch goalkeeper believes the crowd will be entertained again, once the likes of Rolando Aarons and Siem de Jong are fit after their lengthy absence.

Newcastle face Southampton at home on Saturday and then have a two-week break before travelling to Hull City.

It remains to be seen whether a new coach is appointed during this time, however, what is expected is that at least one of those who have been missing for month will be available again.

And Krul is thrilled at the prospect of having a stronger squad for the remaining matches.

He said: “I’d strongly disagree with anyone who was saying there’s not much to play for now.

“The Premier League is so tight that if we go on one of those runs like we went on in November, we can be right up there with the top teams in no time.

“We have to believe that, and the way we played in the first half at Chelsea was just about the best we’ve seen. I was really impressed with Remy Cabella Jack Colback and Vurnon Anita in midfield. I’m really excited for the games to come.

“Gabriel Obertan is running on the pitch and Siem de Jong is getting closer too. If we can get those players back, it’ll make a difference.

“Obviously, you shouldn’t put the expectations too high, but we’ve got players to come in who can improve us. It’s not nice to be out of the cup, but we’ve got 17 games to go in the Premier League and we have to focus on them now.”

Siem de Jong (Image: Ian Horrocks/Getty Images)

De Jong was signed by Alan Pardew as the man who would be the pivot for his team. But the former Ajax man arrived with a knee problem that eventually required surgery in September and he has only been back training again in the last few weeks.

Fellow Dutchman Krul knows the playmaker better than most and he is delighted De Jong is on his way back.

Krul said: “Siem can bring a bit of quality in the final third. He’s a great finisher, and especially when he plays just behind the striker, he’s amazing, really smart. He just takes up the right positions.

“He’s a little bit like Cesc Fabregas in that respect, he can get on the ball and make things happen. He’s also got goals in him, and we need that. If you create four or five chances like we did in the first half at Chelsea, you have to be sticking at least one of them away.”